The pattern of unenforcement [of immigration laws] and the factors supporting it suggest that public officials hold mixed motives that impair [] enforcement. A traditional solution to problems of agency capture, or even agency inefficiency, is to deputize private enforcers. Policymakers can change the unenforcement dynamic if they enable those most harmed by illegal employment to participate in enforcement. Congress has created an opportunity for deputization in recent amendments to [RICO], and courts should develop the doctrine to support its use.

118 Harvard Law Review 2224, 2245 (May 2005)

Williams et. al. v. Mohawk Industries (Mohawk Class Action)

This wage depression class action began in 2004, went up to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2006, and has now been settled.  Mohawk Industries Inc. and its insurer have created an $18 million settlement fund from which 13,476 class members were awarded back pay to compensate them for wage depression caused by Mohawk’s employment of illegal immigrants.  In addition, Mohawk has agreed to conduct annual training of it Human Resources staff in compliance with state and federal employment verification laws.

Click here to view press release.
Click Here to See Final Order Approving Settlement.

Congressman Lamar Smith: A Win for American Workers